Clark Scholars Program
Clark Scholars receive priority consideration for Penn’s PFP, which offers a valuable head start through Summer seminars in Calculus, Physics, and Scientific Programming. Participation includes early move-in, covered housing and dining costs, and 0.5 credit units of elective credit.
All Clark Scholars participate in a required two-day Pre-Orientation program following PFP and before New Student Orientation. This experience helps you build community, prepare for the year ahead, and connect with your cohort as well as current Clark Scholars at Penn!
Through the expanded Entrepreneurship component, you will dive into the world of business innovation and learn how to turn your ideas into successful ventures. You’ll gain hands-on experience developing solutions, pitching projects, and collaborating with mentors and University partners to bring your ideas to life.
You’ll engage with initiatives that benefit the local community and explore various aspects of the philanthropic cycle, learning how to be a responsible and effective steward. You’ll be challenged to deepen your understanding of diverse perspectives in order to foster cross cultural and global awareness.
You’ll be encouraged to take full advantage of additional resources for research, externships, and summer courses, helping you advance your learning and professional development. These opportunities help you build skills, refine your interests, and develop connections that will shape your future career.
Clark Scholars will have the unique opportunity to travel abroad and immerse themselves in the startup and technology ecosystems of another country. This experience offers a firsthand look at how engineers across the globe combine innovation, entrepreneurship, and engineering to bring bold ideas to life.
Through cohort meetings and social outings each semester, scholars come together to build community, share experiences, and support one another through academic milestones. With encouragement from their Faculty Advisor and Clark Scholars staff, students create lasting connections that enrich both their academic journey and life beyond the classroom.
Clark Scholars will engage in hands-on service learning opportunities that directly support the West Philadelphia community. Through short-term projects designed with purpose, Scholars work to address pressing needs. By partnering with local organizations and residents, they gain a deeper understanding of community-driven change and the role engineers can play in creating meaningful, lasting impact.
Through CSPN, Scholars participate in events with peers from 11 institutions nationwide. These experiences strengthen connections across the Network and highlight a shared commitment to engineering, philanthropy, and entrepreneurial spirit. Together, Scholars work to make a meaningful impact on today’s world while preparing to shape the future.
